Dubai History and Cultural Heritage

The history of Dubai can be traced back to the year 1830 when it was taken over by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis, led by the Maktoum family, who still rule the emirate today.

In 1894, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, exempted foreign traders from taxes, making way for Dubai's modern development - starting with local merchants selling items like pearls, fish, spices and dates. Traders from India and Persia were also attracted to Dubai because of the liberal attitudes of the rulers, and soon began to settle in the growing town, which developed a reputation as the leading commercial centre for the region. Trade was based around the safe, natural anchorage of the Creek, which was and still is the visual and commercial heart of the city, with numerous dhows still sailing to other countries.


Dubai is simultaneously a dynamic, international business centre and a relaxing tourist destination. These features make Dubai a truly cosmopolitan place to live; but the rich history of the emirate also provides a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. At the same time, Dubai is a very tolerant and welcoming place for foreigners, with visitors free to follow their own religions. Drinking alcohol in hotels and licensed health and sports clubs is permitted for non-Muslims. 

Heritage
Dress code is liberal for visitors to the emirate. Women are free to drive and go out unescorted, making Dubai a very relaxed place to visit and live; however, it is important for visitors to respect their hosts and abide by local regulations. 

Each year, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Koran during the holy Month of Ramadan, during which Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between dawn and dusk. The fast is broken each day with the Iftar feast at sunset. Visitors also must take care to not eat, drink or smoke in public places between dusk and dawn. 

The dates of Islamic holidays are not fixed dates on the Hijri (Islamic) calendar, as they are based on the sighting of the moon. Holidays are frequently announced less than 24 hours in advance, although some non-Muslim holidays are fixed according to the Gregorian calendar. Below is a list of some of the main festivals and holy days. 

Festivals
The major festivals that are observed throughout the UAE and most Gulf countries are Eid-al-Fitr, a three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan; and Eid-al-Adha, a four day festival that marks the return of devotees from the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca. 

In addition, a few Holy Days are also observed throughout the region: 

- Lailat-al-Qader, or the 'night of power of determination' falls on one of the odd-numbered nights during  the last 10 days of Ramadan (usually the night of the 27th) and commemorates the night on which the first divine revelations of the Koran were given to the Prophet Mohammed. 

- Lailat-al-Miraj, or the 'night journey to heaven' falls on 27 Rajab (7th month) and commemorates Prophet Mohammed's journey to Jerusalem and then to heaven. 

- Mawlid-al-Nabi, the 'Prophet's birthday' falls on 12 Rabi' al-Awwal (5th month), but its observance is traditional, rather than Islamic, as Islam does not centre on any human being. 

- Ras as-Sana, the Islamic new year, falls on 1 Muharram (1st month) and marks the Prophet Mohammed's migration from Makkah to Medina.